It is a simple phone call.
A brief conversation between a supervisor and an injured employee can have a powerful impact on recovery, employee engagement, and return-to-work success. Unfortunately, many organizations fail to make that call.
What Happens After an Employee Leaves Work
When an employee is injured and leaves the workplace for treatment, something important often happens.
Nothing.
The employee may hear from the medical provider, the claims adjuster, or the insurance carrier. But they often hear very little from the people they work with every day. From the employee’s perspective, that silence can feel significant.
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They may wonder:
- Does anyone care?
- Am I still part of the team?
- Do they want me back?
- What is happening at work?
The longer the silence continues, the easier it becomes for the employee to feel disconnected from the organization.
Why Communication Matters
Employees who remain connected to their workplace are more likely to stay engaged in their recovery process.
Regular communication reinforces an important message:
“You are still part of our team.”
That message can dramatically influence motivation and return-to-work outcomes. When supervisors maintain communication, employees are reminded that their contributions are valued and that the organization wants them to recover successfully. This connection helps prevent the isolation that often contributes to prolonged claims.
The First-Day Phone Call
One of the most effective communication strategies is a simple call shortly after the injury occurs. The conversation does not need to be lengthy.
Questions may include:
- How are you doing?
- How did your appointment go?
- Is there anything we can do to help?
- Do you have any questions about the process?
The purpose is not to discuss claim details. The purpose is to demonstrate care. Employees appreciate knowing that someone took the time to check on them.
The Power of Weekly Follow-Up
Communication should not end after the first call. Brief weekly check-ins help maintain engagement throughout recovery.
These conversations provide opportunities to:
- Monitor progress
- Reinforce return-to-work expectations
- Address concerns
- Answer questions
- Maintain a positive relationship
Most of these calls take only a few minutes. Yet their impact can be substantial. Employees who remain connected to their workplace are often more motivated to return when medically able.
Calculating the Return on Investment
Consider the investment involved. A supervisor spends five to ten minutes making a phone call.
Compare that to the potential costs of:
- Extended lost-time claims
- Overtime expenses
- Temporary staffing costs
- Reduced productivity
- Training replacement workers
The financial comparison is not even close. A few minutes of communication can help avoid weeks of unnecessary absence. That makes these conversations one of the highest-return activities available to supervisors.
Communication Builds Trust
Beyond financial benefits, communication strengthens trust. Employees remember who checked on them during difficult times. They remember who cared. These interactions influence not only claim outcomes but also employee loyalty and workplace culture.
Organizations that consistently communicate with injured employees send a powerful message about their values. That message resonates long after the injury has healed.
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Final Thoughts
Workers’ compensation success is often built on simple habits. Few habits are more effective than maintaining regular communication with injured employees. A five-minute phone call may seem insignificant compared to the complexity of workers’ compensation claims. In reality, it can be one of the most impactful actions a supervisor takes.
When employees feel connected, supported, and valued, they recover better, return to work sooner, and remain engaged with the organization. That is a return on investment every employer can appreciate.
Michael Stack, CEO of Amaxx LLC, is an expert in workers’ compensation cost containment systems and provides education, training, and consulting to help employers reduce their workers’ compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is co-author of the #1 selling comprehensive training guide “Your Ultimate Guide to Mastering Workers’ Comp Costs: Reduce Costs 20% to 50%.” Stack is the creator of Injury Management Results (IMR) software and founder of Amaxx Workers’ Comp Training Center. WC Mastery Training teaching injury management best practices such as return to work, communication, claims best practices, medical management, and working with vendors. IMR software simplifies the implementation of these best practices for employers and ties results to a Critical Metrics Dashboard.
Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: http://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/
Injury Management Results (IMR) Software: https://imrsoftware.com/
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